Evaluation of Indoor Tanning Facilities in American Fitness Centers.

BACKGROUND: Indoor tanning (IT) in fitness facilities encourages a misleading positive relationship between tanning and health. While IT in Canadian fitness facilities has been studied, American literature regarding this topic is lacking. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to evaluate availability, cost, reported risks, and adherence to legislation of IT in American fitness clubs. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study utilizing a telephone questionnaire to survey gyms across all 50 states. The key term "fitness club" was searched in the Yellow Pages and 20 facilities from each state were randomly included into the study. Data were described descriptively and Pearson χ2 tests were used to compare IT prevalence and rates of noncompliance between population groups. Regression analysis examined potential relationship between cost and prevalence of IT. RESULTS: Of the 1000 fitness clubs surveyed, 44.4% (444/1000) offered IT. The overall noncompliance rates for age, rest time, and eye protection were 13.8% (54/390), 26.0% (20/77), and 27.8% (85/225), respectively. The most common risk reported was skin cancer (61.6%), but many facilities were unsure of risks (27.0%) and some described no risk associated with IT (3.2%). The average cost for monthly unlimited tanning was 33 ± 13.96 USD. A state-to-state comparison showed a statistically significant inverse relationship between mean cost and prevalence of IT (P = .013, [r]= -0.35). CONCLUSION: The prevalence and noncompliance rates of IT in fitness clubs contradict the healthy lifestyles they are working to promote. To limit harms, legislations should be standardized and more strictly enforced. Additionally, public education on IT risks and the use of higher costs may help minimize IT use.

A Cross-Sectional Study of Indoor Tanning in Fitness Centres.

BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a human carcinogen and is associated with the development of skin cancer. The promotion of indoor tanning (IT) at fitness centres is of particular concern as it reinforces the idea that a tan is associated with health and fitness. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of IT in fitness centres, with an emphasis on determining the financial costs, adherence to regulations, and safety precautions. METHODS: Ten cities, representing 9 different Canadian provinces, were chosen for the study. From each province, a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 30 fitness centres were randomly selected from the Yellow Pages website. Each fitness centre was contacted by the principal investigator and inquiries were made from a consumer's perspective. RESULTS: Of the 203 gyms surveyed, 43% (88/203) offered tanning facilities. Of these, 10.23% (9/88) were found to be noncompliant with the provincial IT regulations for age and/or time between tanning sessions. INTERPRETATION: Despite the known risks of IT, not all fitness centres are compliant with provincial legislations regarding IT, and some continue to promote tanning access to minors.

Consumo, características y perfil del consumidor de suplementos nutricionales en gimnasios de Santiago de Chile / Consumo, características e perfil do consumidor de suplementos nutricionais em academias de Santiago do Chile / Consumption, characteristics, and profile: consumers of nutritional supplements in gymnasiums in Santiago, Chile

Introducción. Los deportistas son los principales consumidores de suplementos nutricionales; presentan en general la utilización más alta. En Chile existe un creciente interés por consumir estos suplementos, sin tener mucho conocimiento de sus efectos. Objetivos. Determinar el perfil del consumidor, quiénes lo recomiendan, los productos más usados y distinguir posibles diferencias de acuerdo al sexo, la finalidad de su uso y otras variables. Métodos. Se aplica un cuestionario de 19 preguntas abiertas y cerradas a 446 voluntarios hombres y mujeres, asistentes a 6 gimnasios de la ciudad de Santiago de Chile durante el año 2013, pertenecientes a un grupo etario de entre 17 y 49 años de edad. Resultados. Los hombres son los mayores consumidores de suplementos, lo cual aumenta de acuerdo al tiempo de entrenamiento semanal que realizan. Ellos prefieren batidos proteicos con el objetivo de aumentar su masa muscular. Las mujeres consumen principalmente vitaminas y agentes lipolíticos con el objetivo de disminuir la masa grasa. Un alto porcentaje cree que el consumo de suplementos les ayuda a cumplir sus objetivos. Conclusión. Un número considerable de personas que asiste regularmente a los gimnasios consume suplementos sin la orientación especializada y posiblemente sin tener que utilizarlos realmente, pero es necesario regular el uso irracional y potencialmente inseguro de los suplementos nutricionales en mejora del rendimiento físico (AU)

Introduction. Athletes are the principle consumers of nutritional supplements, and generally present the highest rate of usage. In Chile, there is a growing interest in consuming these supplements, although there is little knowledge of their effects. Objectives. To determine the consumer profile, who recommends the usage of these nutritional supplements, what the most used products are, and to distinguish possible differences in variables like sex, the purpose of their use, and others. Methods. A survey with 19 open and closed questions was given to 446 men and women volunteers, from between the ages of 17 and 49, who were participants from six gymnasiums in Santiago, Chile, in 2013. Results. Men are the greatest consumers of supplements, and usage increases according to the amount of time spent training every week. This group prefers protein shakes with the aim of increasing muscle mass. Women principally consume vitamins and lipolytic agents with the aim of reducing fatty mass. A high percentage believes that consuming supplements aids in meeting their goals. Conclusion. A considerable number of those who regularly attend a gymnasium consume supplements without specialized orientation and (possibly) without the real need of doing so. It is necessary to regulate irrational and potentially unsafe use of nutritional supplements in bettering physical output (AU)

Introdução. Os atletas são os principais consumidores de suplementos nutricionais, e geralmente apresentam a maior taxa de uso. No Chile, há um crescente interesse em consumir estes suplementos, embora haja pouco conhecimento de seus efeitos. Objetivos. Determinar o perfil do consumidor, quem recomenda, os produtos mais utilizados e distinguir possíveis diferenças de acordo com sexo, a finalidade do seu uso e outras variáveis. Métodos. Foi aplicado um questionário com 19 perguntas abertas e fechadas a 446 voluntários homens e mulhere pertencentes a faixa etária de 17 a 49 anos de idade, participantes de 6 academias na cidade de Santiago do Chile, durante o ano de 3013. Resultados. Os homens são os maiores consumidores de suplementos, o qual aumenta de acordo com o tempo de treinamento semanal que realizam. Eles preferem shakes de proteína, a fim de aumentar a sua massa muscular. Principalmente as mulheres consomem vitaminas e agentes lipolíticos, a fim de reduzir a massa gorda. Uma percentagem alta acredita que o consumo de suplementos irá ajudá-lo a cumprir seus objetivos. Conclusão. Um número considerável de pessoas que frequentam regularmente academias, consomem suplementos sem orientação especializada e, possivelmente, nenhuma necessidade real para isso, portanto é necessário regulamentar o uso irracional e potencialmente inseguro de suplementos nutricionais para melhorar o desempenho (AU)

Impacto del comportamiento de los ex-clientes de centros deportivos por tipo de cuota / Impact of the behaviour of the ex customers of sport centres by type of fee

El objetivo del estudio es analizar los motivos de baja de clientes de centros deportivos así como sus actuaciones futuras, diferenciando por tipo de centro en función de su cuota. Se administró una encuesta ad hoc a 7.863 exclientes de centros deportivos. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo y con tablas de contingencias. La falta de tiempo y la calidad/precio son los principales motivos de baja, encontrando diferencias por tipo de centro. Por último, la segunda opción más elegida a la hora de abandonar un centro es el abandono de la práctica deportiva

The aim of this study was to analyze the reasons for dropping out in sport centers’ customers as well as the future actions, depending on the sort of center’s fee. An ad hoc survey of 7,863 ex-customers from sport centers was carried out. A descriptive and contingency tables analysis was developed. Lack of time and quality / price are the main reasons for dropping out; finding differences according to the type of center. Finally, the second option more chosen for leaving a center was stop doing sport

Accommodation of wheelchair-reliant individuals by community fitness facilities.

BACKGROUND: Adhering to the recommended healthy physical activity guidelines can be difficult for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), stroke or other paralytic conditions. Ordinary community structures such as curbs, stairs and narrow passageways can present as major obstacles for individuals who are reliant on wheelchairs. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 mandates that public facilities, including community fitness centers, should be accessible to everyone. STUDY DESIGN: Analysis of compliance of the ADA and accommodation of wheelchair-reliant individuals. OBJECTIVES: To determine the level of compliance with ADA and the degree of accommodation of wheelchair-reliant individuals. SETTING: Community fitness centers in the Hattiesburg, Mississippi metropolitan area. METHODS: Ten fitness centers consented to unfettered access for evaluation of ADA compliance and accommodation of wheelchair-reliant individuals using an 82-item checklist. RESULTS: All surveyed facilities were found to be partially compliant, with none of the facilities being 100% compliant. The areas of least compliance were access to and free movement around exercise equipment and full access to restrooms. Beyond ADA accessibility, only 20% of the participating facilities provided suitable adaptive equipment, and no facilities employed staff trained for the special needs of those with paralytic conditions. CONCLUSION: Beyond mandated physical accessibility, accommodation of individuals who are reliant on wheelchairs because of SCI or other paralytic conditions was found to be lacking. It remains important for health-care professionals and other advocacy groups to stress the need for inclusion and accommodation of individuals with disabilities to community fitness facilities allowing wellness needs to be met.

Hygienic and sanitary requirements of gyms in force in Italy: national issues and analysis of regional regulations.

In recent years, the awareness of the importance of physical activity for human health is growing, as people practicing it; the number of gyms has also substantially increased. Currently, in Italy there is not a consistent regulation regarding hygienic and sanitary requirements of gyms. Several Italian regions issued laws about this topic. The authors analyse the standards required by the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) and the regional laws, highlighting the numerous issues, among which the possible location of gyms in semi-basements and basements. They eventually call for a national regulation that should clearly transpose the hygienic and sanitary requirements of gyms into a satisfactory rule of law.

A Corrida de Revezamento do Fogo Simbólico da Pátria em Porto Alegre (1938-1947): estudo sobre a participação dos clubes esportivos / Carrera de Relevo del Fuego Simbólico de La Nación en Porto Alegre (1938-1947): estudio sobre la participación de los clubes deportivos / The National Torch Relay in Porto Alegre city (1938-1947): study on the sports clubs participation

Este estudo tem como objetivo compreender a participação dos clubes esportivos porto-alegrenses na invenção da Corrida de Revezamento do Fogo Simbólico da Pátria (CFS) em Porto Alegre (RS – Brasil) no período de 1938 a 1947. Fontes impressas e fontes orais foram utilizadas nesse estudo. Os clubes esportivos porto-alegrenses, na figura dos seus atletas e dirigentes, ajudaram a inventar e fixar a CFS em Porto Alegre. Além disso, os clubes construíram representações da identidade nacional brasileira através da CFS.

This study aims to understand the portoalegrenses sports clubs participation in the invention of the National Torch Relay (NTR) in Porto Alegre city (RS – Brazil) in the period from 1938 to 1947. Printed and oral sources were used in it. Porto-alegrenses sports clubs, in the figure of their athletes and sports leaders, helped to invent and set the NTR in Porto Alegre city. Moreover, the sports clubs constructed representations of the Brazilian national identity through the NTR.

Este estudio tiene como objetivo entender la participación de los clubes deportivos portoalegrenses en la invención de la “Carrera de relevo del Fuego Simbólico de la Nación¼ (CFS) en la ciudad de Porto Alegre (RS – Brasil) en el período comprendido entre 1938 a 1947. Fuentes impresas y fuentes orales fueron utilizadas en ese estudio. Los clubes deportivos porto-alegrenses, en la figura de sus atletas y dirigentes, han ayudado a inventar y establecer la CFS en Porto Alegre. Por otra parte, los clubes esportivos construiran representaciones de la identidad nacional brasileña a través de la CFS.

Fitness instructors' recognition of eating disorders and attendant ethical/liability issues.

Individuals with eating disorders may pursue overexercising in fitness facilities and exercise classes. The primary aim of this study was to assess registered fitness instructors' capability to recognize an individual with anorexia nervosa and determine what they would do professionally in that situation. A secondary objective was to assess fitness instructors' understanding of potential professional, ethical and legal issues inherent in this situation. Fitness instructors and pediatricians were administered a survey consisting of a descriptive case scenario of an individual with probable anorexia nervosa. Fitness instructors were also surveyed on various related issues. Thirty-two percent of fitness instructors indicated the case scenario subject presented with anorexia nervosa compared with 88% of pediatricians, a statistically significant difference. Sixty percent of fitness instructors recognized that there were some ethical and liability issues inherent in the scenario, and 37% identified these as serious. All fitness instructors suggested guidelines in this area would be helpful. Implications for training and continued education opportunities for both fitness instructors and pediatricians are discussed.

Automated external defibrillators in the Australian fitness industry.

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) occurs in many thousands of Australians each year. Scientific evidence shows an increased survival rate for individuals who receive electrical defibrillation in the first few minutes after SCA. In the last decade automated (rhythm-detecting) external defibrillators (AEDs) have become available that are portable and affordable. Although still relatively rare, there is still the potential that SCA may occur when a person undertakes physical activity. Consequently, health/fitness centres are increasingly recognised as higher risk sites that may benefit from placement of AEDs. There are no laws in Australia requiring health/fitness centres to install AEDs. However, several international and professional organisations have "strongly encouraged" larger centres to install AEDs. Guidelines and algorithms are presented to help estimate the risk of SCA in fitness centres. Fitness centre placement is particularly important if the clientele is older or has a 'high-risk' profile, for example, clients with cardiovascular, respiratory or metabolic disease. International negligence case law and duty of care principles suggests the standard of care required in health/fitness centres may be increasing. Therefore, it may be prudent to install AEDs in larger centres and those in which higher risk groups are physically active.

Normativa para la regulación, autorización, acreditación y control de centros para la práctica del deporte / Regulations for the regulation, authorization, accreditation and control of centers for the practice of sport

El documento está con la tinta muy opaca (apagado), no muy adecuada para la lectura. Es de carácter obligatorio, por lo que se aplica en todo el territorio nacional. Contiene además, las definiciones de los conceptos relacionados al tema principal, además de la infraestructura que deberá tener cada clínica, incluidos el equipo y recurso humano y técnico. Están incluidos: clubs deportivos, federaciones y/o asociaciones, gimnasios en los que se practica y desarrollan actividades físicas, gimnastas, escuelas de danza o baile, institutos de yoga, y los destinados a la práctica de artes marciales.